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Integrating policy agendas for sustainable innovation: a quadruple helix approach to the European Green Deal and sustainability transitions

Author

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  • Popper Monika

    (Futures Diamond Ltd, 9 Bold Street, Warrington, WA1 1DN, Manchester, United Kingdom)

  • Popper Rafael

    (Faculty of Mechanical and Industrial, Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-524 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Rapetti Carina Alejandra

    (Smart Society Research Group, La Salle – Ramon Llull University, Sant Joan de La Salle 42, 08022, Barcelona, Spain)

  • Pique Josep Miquel

    (Smart Society Research Group, La Salle – Ramon Llull University, Sant Joan de La Salle 42, 08022, Barcelona, Spain)

Abstract

This paper explores the integration of DIY (Do-It-Yourself) and crowdsourcing-driven innovation management with top-down policy frameworks to advance the European Green Deal and sustainability transitions. Drawing on the CASI (Common Framework for the Assessment and Management of Sustainable Innovation) project, it examines how CASI-F and its CASIPEDIA platform — a repository of over 700 sustainable innovation initiatives — can bridge local and global sustainability goals. Using a quadruple helix approach, the study highlights the role of innovation ecosystems in driving systemic change through the alignment of technological, economic, social, and environmental objectives. The paper compares the CASI SI agendas with the European Green Deal and sustainability transition agendas, identifying synergies, gaps, and opportunities for further alignment. Foresight is emphasised as a crucial tool to ensure innovation strategies remain adaptable, future-oriented, and resilient to emerging challenges. The findings underscore the importance of integrating grassroots innovations into broader policy frameworks to enhance sustainability transitions. Lastly, the paper recommends strengthening the Green Deal by fostering innovations from diverse actors, including those from the quadruple helix, and promoting the application of SMART foresight processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Popper Monika & Popper Rafael & Rapetti Carina Alejandra & Pique Josep Miquel, 2025. "Integrating policy agendas for sustainable innovation: a quadruple helix approach to the European Green Deal and sustainability transitions," Engineering Management in Production and Services, Sciendo, vol. 17(2), pages 1-22.
  • Handle: RePEc:vrs:ecoman:v:17:y:2025:i:2:p:1-22:n:1001
    DOI: 10.2478/emj-2025-0009
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    4. Phoebe Koundouri & Angelos Alamanos & Angelos Plataniotis & Charalampos Stavridis & Konstantinos Perifanos & Stathis Devves, 2024. "Assessing the sustainability of the European Green Deal and its interlinkages with the SDGs," DEOS Working Papers 2405, Athens University of Economics and Business.
    5. Joan Hereu‐Morales & Alba Segarra & César Valderrama, 2024. "The European (Green?) Deal: a systematic analysis of environmental sustainability," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 32(1), pages 647-661, February.
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